The Philosophy Behind Islam’s Emphasis on Silat al-Rahm (Maintaining Kinship Relations)
The reason Islam places great emphasis on maintaining Silat al-Rahm is that the reform, strengthening, progress, development, and elevation of a large society—whether in economic, military, spiritual, or moral dimensions—must begin with its smallest units. When these smaller units are strengthened and improved, the larger society will naturally be reformed. Accordingly, Islam commands the improvement of units that individuals are generally not reluctant to support. In family relationships, God encourages the reinforcement of those who share blood and familial bonds. Clearly, when small family communities are strengthened, the greater community—society—also becomes stronger and more dignified.
According to some experts, meeting with relatives, family members, and friends not only revives emotional and human connections but also has a significant impact on the human nervous system. It can increase longevity, improve health, and reduce stress.
Effects of Maintaining Kinship (Silat al-Rahm)
By reflecting on the Quranic verses and Hadiths about maintaining kinship, we see that some of its benefits pertain to the individual, while others impact society. Some rewards are reaped in this world, while others are reserved for the Hereafter. Ethical virtues have varying degrees. At a basic level, maintaining kinship begins with simple family visits or greetings and gradually progresses through increased affection, addressing the needs of relatives, cooperating in various fields, and offering emotional, financial, or physical support. Naturally, the more profound and widespread these connections are, the more abundant and far-reaching their individual and societal blessings will be. Some of these blessings include:
1. The love and affection of Allah;
2. Divine support;
3. A good and blessed end;
4. Protection from calamities;
5. Repelling misfortunes;
6. Ease during the judgment on the Day of Resurrection;
7. Safe crossing over the Sirat Bridge;
8. Prevention from sin;
9. Atonement of sins;
10. Preservation of blessings;
11. Purification of deeds;
12. Elimination of poverty and increase in sustenance;
13. Fulfillment of needs;
14. Removal of grudges;
15. Prompt worldly rewards;
16. Good manners;
17. Generosity;
18. Vitality of soul and spirit;
19. A key factor in increasing lifespan;
20. Prosperity of the living environment;
21. A peaceful death.
Kinship and Gaining Popularity Among Relatives
When a family member is overwhelmed by life’s hardships, and a generous relative offers help and support, the suffering family may perceive this relative as a heavenly angel sent to solve their problem—even if all they receive is emotional empathy. Undoubtedly, maintaining kinship is about respecting, acknowledging, and valuing the other person. Every heart that receives care and attention from others will naturally feel affection toward them.
This popularity has many signs. For instance, when one is faced with difficulties, they see their relatives as steadfast allies who will not let any harm befall them. Likewise, when one’s enemies encounter the solid support of their kin, they feel humiliated and disheartened.
Clearly, severing such ties results in coldness, resentment, and the separation of hearts. So, it is wise to exchange warmth and kindness through kinship rather than surrendering to bitterness and disconnection.
Kinship as a Means of Increasing Knowledge and Experience through Exchange of Ideas
No human being is ever free from the need for more knowledge and experience. One must always strive to expand their intellectual and practical understanding to move toward both material and spiritual advancement. One of the most effective ways to increase one’s knowledge is through kinship.
Visiting relatives provides a great opportunity for discussion and exchanging ideas, where both sides can benefit from each other’s knowledge. Naturally, each person—due to their age, job, education, or cultural background—possesses certain knowledge the other may lack. In this way, kinship can significantly contribute to intellectual, scientific, and experiential growth.
In addition to all this, learning about each other’s problems and finding solutions for them is another benefit of kinship. Thus, these blessings of kinship are only available if people do not spend all their free time on media distractions but instead dedicate time for meeting and connecting with family and relatives.
Condemnation of Severing Kinship
Severing ties with relatives, known as qat‘al-Rahm, is not limited to refraining from visits, just as Silat al-Rahm is not confined to mere physical meetings. Examples of cutting off ties include hurting relatives through words or actions, treating them disrespectfully, ignoring their needs—like clothing, housing, or food—despite having the ability to help, or failing to stand up for their rights even when one can. It also includes staying away due to jealousy or resentment, avoiding visiting them when sick, or not welcoming them when they return from a trip.
On the contrary, helping them financially, supporting them through words and actions, and refraining from hurting them are all forms of maintaining kinship. Indeed, avoiding harm to relatives is regarded as the best form of kinship. Maintaining kinship is not limited to visits, nor is severing it limited to not visiting.
Hence, Islam strongly condemns severing kinship ties, and every Muslim must avoid it. Allah has cursed those who cut ties with their relatives in three different places in the Qur’an. One such verse states: “وَيَقْطَعُونَ مَا أَمَرَ الله بِهِ أَنْ يُوصَلَ وَيُفْسِدُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ أُولئِكَ لَهُمُ اللَّعْنَةُ وَلَهُمْ سُوءُ الدَّارِ” Translation: “And those who break that which Allah has ordered to be joined and spread corruption in the land—it is they who are cursed and will have a terrible abode.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:25)
In another verse: “فَهَلْ عَسَیْتُمْ إِنْ تَوَلَّیْتُمْ أَنْ تُفْسِدُوا فِى الْأَرْضِ وَ تُقَطِّعُوا أَرْحامَكُمْ أُولئِكَ الَّذینَ لَعَنَهُمُ الله” Translation: “Would you then, if given power, spread corruption on the earth and sever your ties of kinship? Such are the ones whom Allah has cursed.” (Surah Muhammad, 47:22-23)
Conclusion
Maintaining kinship—visiting relatives and helping them as per one’s ability and their need—is a vital subject in Islamic jurisprudence and ethics. Islam does not see humans as isolated beings but as inherently social creatures whose growth and perfection depend on their interaction with others. Therefore, it is not permissible for a Muslim to sever ties with relatives and friends. Allah considers those who maintain kinship among the dwellers of the highest ranks in Paradise, while those who break these ties are counted among the losers.
We hope for the day when kinship bonds and family interactions are given more importance in society.
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